Flemish Primitives Chokri Ben Chikha / Action Zoo Humain

We have always had to make our plan. 
We are always at our best in times of trouble. 
Slogging through the mud has made us great. 
Strong. Disciplined. 
Humble and modest too.
But those days are over. 

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In 2021, Dubai is the first country in the Middle East to host the World Expo – the 35th to be exact. Belgium is also participating, sending a group of young artists with a project on Flemish Mastery. From Van Eyck to De Keersmaeker, from Brueghel and Rubens to Platel and Van Noten, from craftsmanship to high-tech. And not without side effects: their stay in the Arab emirate brings them to seemingly conclusive insights about the malleability of success.

Back in Belgium, these makers put it to the test, with the central question being: Who will be the Flemish Master of tomorrow?

(read more below the video)

Under the watchful eye of the public, six young artists, who only share their drive for success and their migration background, undergo a series of experiments. Who will withdraw from the rat race? Who perpetuates the belief in the survival of the fittest? 

Flemish Primitives  shines new light on flashy talent shows and the social engineering of success. Together with six young performers, director Chokri Ben Chikha examines the relationship between the urge to excel and the spectacularisation of difference.